Contemporary dancer Taylor Tomlinson at the Fleeting Embers showcase in fall 2025. Photo credit: Mathéo Laubenheimer
When I first asked Jesse and Val to explain their Montreal arts collective, Le Coin des Arts, Jesse laughed and said “that is one of the hardest things to do!”. Despite his declarations however, Val and Jesse have developed a clear vision and distinct feel for each one of their seasonal showcase events in Montreal.
At its core, Le Coin des Arts is a Montreal community for emerging and professional performing artists to showcase their talent and collaborate with other artists in different disciplines. It’s one of the few art events in the city that is truly multidisciplinary, and Jesse and Val care deeply about each participating artist, long after the showcase event has taken place. Le Coin des Arts hosts a showcase each season and is worth putting in your calendar. It promotes its unique selection of artists weeks before the event, with artist interviews, feature posts, and a Spotify playlist of musicians’ work.
I first encountered Le Coin des Arts in the summer of 2025, and unsure if my visual art and poetry was the right fit, I decided to apply anyway. I had done many readings around the city and elsewhere and tended to treat my poetry performance as an artform in its own right. I’m so glad Jesse and Val treated it the same way, and I was selected as a performing artist for the Fleeting Embers showcase in the fall of 2025. Right from our first artists meeting, I fell in love with the care Jesse and Val provided to each artist, and the attention to detail in promoting and running the actual event. Now, as a regular volunteer, I can attest that every event or post from Le Coin des Arts embodies the curiosity, coziness and playfulness that characterizes the years-long collaboration between Jesse and Val.
Performers from the Fleeting Embers showcase in fall 2025. Photo credit: Mathéo Laubenheimer
Our conversation was free-flowing, lighthearted and honest. Like any event organization, Val and Jesse have faced challenges in bringing their vision to life, but their results have exceeded their expectations. Every showcase is different and that’s what makes it magic. Everyone who participates — as an audience member, showcasing artist, volunteer or organizer —discovers something new. Each event, in turn, provides a unique experience for an unsuspecting audience, including mixed genres, unusual instruments and cultural discovery. Most attendees are there to support a family member or friend or maybe heard about the event from a neighbour. Virtually no one—not even the organizers—know exactly what they are going to witness during the show.
Walking into one of the Coin des Arts showcases, you may have an idea of the theme, but you will certainly have at least one moment of surprise. Whether it’s two acrobats flying dangerously close to the ceiling of a multi-purpose studio, an electric-harpist enchanting you with a beautiful voice, or a comedian telling you jokes as you sit on the floor in your coziest winter socks — every showcase will broaden your initial ideas of what performance can be. It’s no wonder so many people who attend, immediately want to get involved, either through a donation, buying merch, following the artists online or participating as an artist or volunteer.
These events are a labour of love and it shows. It's infectious. The environment is a direct result of the dynamic working relationship between Jesse and Val, and the strengths each of them bring from their own creative practices.
Val Desormaux started rhythmic gymnastics as a kid and never stopped. With 10 years of experience as a professional circus artist and dancer, Le Coin des Arts and event organizing was a natural extension of her artistic career. Val always loved the networking aspect of her job, learning from artists in different disciplines and levels of experience. For her, it was the best way to push her creative boundaries and combine various categories of expression.
Jesse Caruso also affirms that he has always been creative. From putting on shows in the basement with his cousins as kids, to performing and songwriting as a teenager, Jesse never put his artistic work into one strict category. He remembers playing with Photoshop at the age of 13, copying Teletubbies with flames onto the background of his Windows XP. It was no surprise that he was able to teach himself design and turn it into a career. Now he writes fiction, music and works full-time as a graphic designer. Being an event organizer, he loves creating the space for performers to shine and providing a platform for artists to share insight into their work.
One of the first open mic events Jesse attended in Montreal was run by Val. He arrived early, in the winter cold, still eating pizza. He remembers feeling awkward as Val was running around, trying to set up, so he offered his help. As this was the first time Val ran an event in Montreal, she was thankful for the offer. From that point on, it felt natural for the two to work together, to help other artists shine and cross paths with all manner of creative people.
Both attended various open mic and performing events around town, and felt something missing. They agreed that Montreal needed a space to combine different disciplines and to bring performers together as a cohesive group. From that first event, Jesse always appreciated the diversity Val was able to bring to the stage. The two decided to work together to build Le Coin des Arts, a dedicated brand and community to connect their signature showcases and their ongoing support for artists that extends beyond one show.
Acrobats Ian Labelle & Charlotte Gagnon from the Solana showcase in spring 2026. Photo credit: Mathéo Laubenheimer
A few years in, the pair note there were some initial challenges in finding their stride. They have had a journey in bringing on new collaborators and volunteers — some have worked out and some haven't — but with each experience they have built a stronger working relationship and a distinct vision for what they want Le Coin des Arts to be. Over time, they were able to stay true to that vision and articulate it to others to develop a robust network of support.
Running an event with the level of diversity Le Coin des Arts offers is no easy feat. Val noted that finding physical space, and branding are the biggest challenges - and both of these challenges were overcome from a dedicated effort and collaboration between the two.
Finding the right space to host a long list of requirements was the first step. Jesse and Val knew they wanted a space that could accommodate the needs of their artists, such as equipment for musical setup or space for dancers and acrobats. They also wanted a space that was bright, beautiful and put the focus on the performances rather than a bar or side conversations among the audience. Val brought forward her knowledge of Montreal spaces and a robust research plan for them to find the perfect venues for their events.
In terms of branding, they needed to not only have a visual identity for Le Coin des Arts as a whole, but also for each unique showcase. When talking about their brand, Val notes with admiration that she is always a fan of Jesse’s work. With his experience in graphic design, he was able to experiment and put together a truly unique visual style for Le Coin des Arts. It’s a challenge, he agrees, but a fun one. He manages to create an entire visual and conceptual identity for each new showcase, while keeping a recognizable Le Coin des Arts through-line.
And they succeed every time. For they have managed to find beautiful, sun-filled venues for each showcase, providing physical space needed to host comedians and poets, a whole troupe of actors, dancers, acrobats and more. They offer a cozy and intimate event experience for the audience that is not diverted by drinks and chatter, but instead provides sweet treats and popcorn, a stunning stage setup that complements the theme and overall ambiance of the event. Each artist, organizer and volunteer gets to join the audiences, find a seat, and be captivated by whatever a performer can offer you in a 1o-minute set. A charming print program provides a description of each artist you’re about to see, and encourages you to follow their artist career.
The audience’s experience is incredible, but it is only one part of the whole. What really sets Le Coin des Arts apart from other events is the experience they offer their artists, which starts the moment each performer is selected. Each showcase has a general theme for the artists to interpret as they please, complete with a brand identity, curated playlist, and hand-made stage set. This allows each performer to curate a set that fits the atmosphere and try something new within their own practice. Jesse and Val also take the time to host an initial get-together in their own home, a few weeks before the event. Meeting co-performers prior to the showcase is really special, and offers a sense of camaraderie and co-creation. In the weeks leading up to the event, Jesse and Val record an interview with each artist, promote them on social media, develop a playlist, and collect photos and bios for their print program. It’s all part of the package. As a performer, you’re now part of the Coin des Arts cohort.
Poet Aris Keshav from the Polaris showcase in winter 2026. Photo credit: Christophe Comeau
After the showcase has taken place, Jesse and Val never stop cheering on their artists. Each one also gets photos and videos of their performance. And the pair keep up with your work, promoting launches and news through their monthly “Artist Updates”. Jesse and Val joke that if you’re a participating artist with Le Coin des Arts you don’t even have to tell them about what’s new — they will stalk you online and share your success!
Jesse and Val have scaled back their initial ambitions but have come to recognize what they truly hope Le Coin des Arts will be: a staple event for emerging performing artists in Montreal and a space for professional artists to experiment. They see it as a jumping-off point for an artist’s career, as well as a community that will support them throughout and provide a diverse network where artists can return to for a new perspective.
They have ideas to grow the community beyond the showcases: a website, a database of artists, evening shows with a more nightlife vibe, and networking for artists. But, even with these ambitions, their focus is and always will be: giving artists and volunteers carte blanche with each theme, and providing as much support as they can for contributors to grow their creative practice beyond one performance. Their repertoire of success stories are growing, and several artists have already noted that Le Coin des Arts gave them confidence and a platform to grow their artistic career.
As the events grow, the organization of each event scales up, but Jesse and Val continue their impeccable attention to detail. The little things matter, and make each event feel effortless and radiant. The pair still feel awkward asking for people’s time to help with their endeavor, but they have been blown away by each person who has taken the initiative to invigorate the spirit of Le Coin des Arts, no matter how big or small the contribution. Jesse and Val welcome new volunteers as the workload grows, but they emphasize ongoing communication about what each volunteer wants to get from the experience. The tasks are varied, which allows volunteers to develop new skills and bring their creativity to any aspect of developing the community or helping with the three-month event planning process. Volunteers have contributed with social media posts, event photography, recruiting and selecting of artists, event setup and takedown, ticket sales, set designs and more. Val and Jesse have a moment of relief and celebration after each show and share a drink or two with the artists and volunteers. They know that the rest is short-lived, however. Once the showcase ends, they dive right into the next one and are grateful for all the people who offer their time for day-of support and everything in-between.
Val, Jesse and the performers from the Solana showcase in spring 2026. Photo credit: Mathéo Laubenheimer
The next Coin des Arts showcase is taking place on November 8 at 2:00pm at Lab 101. Both of their faces lit up when talking about the celestial theme “Little Planets”. For this showcase, they want each artist to bring us into the small world or planet inside their head. Their main question for each artist is: If you could have a planet what would it look and feel like? What would the colour be? Where are you taking us with your performance? For this showcase, the audience can expect to see 2 different dance performances, 2 circus performances, poetry and music. They are excited to see how each performance portrays the vintage style, the deep blues and golds that will represent this showcase in print and in set design. Everyone involved can’t wait to fill the room, and be transported for a couple hours to a multitude of artistic universes.
Jesse and Val closed the interview with the same reflection: “I’m an audience member each time.” says Jesse “now I expect to learn something new from each showcase about a specific discipline or art more generally”. Val agrees and adds that she feels like a little kid before every event; excited to see something for the first time. “Everyone who is involved — we are all creatives”, Val says simply. “Being inspired from each other is what centres the whole thing.”
They both hope that everyone comes to Le Coin des Arts with an open mind and leaves with good memories. Whether it's your first time or your tenth, Le Coin des Arts can guarantee that you will leave with a gem you were delighted to find.
Poster design by Jesse Caruso
